Madame President, Members of the Executive Board,

In my first address to this Board, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce the session on country programmes and related matters.

My statement will cover two points:

First, how we are continuing to make progress in working differently with the UN Country Teams on the design of the new UNDP country programmes in line with the UN Cooperation Frameworks, and

Second, we will introduce the new UNDP country programmes and extensions tabled for your approval in this session.

On advancing on the UN Development System reform:

Since the introduction of the new Cooperation Frameworks in 2019, along with UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women, and in close collaboration with the Development Coordination Office (DCO), we have taken concrete actions to realize the vision of a reformed development system and to deliver common results.

In programming, this has translated to the alignment between -and derivation from – the United Nations Cooperation Framework and the UNDP Country Programme Document.

The Country Program documents presented to you today are the outcome of working differently with country offices through key improvements that are increasingly taking hold. I would like to mention some of these:

First, the sequencing of the Cooperation Framework and the Country Programme Document. As integral members of the country teams, our country offices engage actively in the development of Cooperation Frameworks from the outset, we work with country teams under the leadership of the Resident Coordinators to conduct joint analysis that examines the integration between development issues and challenges faced by countries. We tailor our analytical tools and approaches using to produce quality Common Country Analysis and ensure the integration of the Theory of Change of the Cooperation Frameworks into the Country Program Documents.

Second, the articulation of the Cooperation Framework priorities through the Country Program Document. Together with other UN entities, we unpack the Cooperation Framework outcomes into joint work plan outputs, shared results and indicators, and coordinated approaches to implementing and monitoring results – all, you will agree, critical steps to joint resource alignment, and coordination.

The rationale for the selection of the UN’s priorities are outlined in the Cooperation Framework. UNDP’s Country Programme Document, in turn, outlines our contribution to the Framework, drawing on our comparative advantages to add value to common UN results.

Third, the posting of the Cooperation Frameworks alongside the respective Country Program Documents on the dedicated webpage of DCO, enables a holistic rationale and consideration of the UN’s and UNDP’s programming in country; and,

Fourth, the important final confirmation by the Resident Coordinator of the alignment between the Cooperation Frameworks and Country Program documents as prescribed by the Management and Accountability Framework.

These new ways of working, that we outlined in a joint information note shared with this Board in January 2021, are gradually becoming established practice. We are confident that they will continue contributing to further elevate the quality of our country programmes as we test and apply lessons in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a new generation of country programmes and Cooperation Frameworks.

It is important to note that while UNDP Country Program Documents are becoming integral parts of the Cooperation Framework, they will always remain demand-driven, anchored in national priorities and responsive to country needs.

Equally, the Cooperation Framework and the Country Program Document, while ensuring national ownership, are grounded in our common commitment to eradicate poverty in all forms, end discrimination and exclusion, and reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities that leave people behind – all embodying the spirit of partnership at the core of the 2030 Agenda.

Finally, stakeholder engagement continues to underpin our country programme formulation. To this end, we have put in place deliberate efforts in building and maintaining meaningful and sustained engagements with governments, development partners, civil society, private sector and vulnerable communities reached by our programmes.

1. Presentation of CPDs and extensions for this session

Madame President, before we turn to the two (2) new country programmes and the two (2) extensions that are being presented for approval today, I would like to highlight the six (6) country programmes that have been granted extension in order to align with the UN Cooperation Framework, and ensure harmonization with the national development plan.

These are the country programmes for CAR, Chad, Iran, Mongolia, Tanzania and The Zambia.
Tabled for your approval today are:

1. The new country programmes for Argentina and Armenia, and
2. The multi extensions for the country programmes of Madagascar and Syria.

I would like to turn now to the specific programmes we are submitting before the Board at this session.

We look forward to your deliberations.

Madame President, I thank you.